HIP IMPINGEMENT (FAI)
Physiotherapy for Hip Pinching, Groin Pain & Labral Irritation
- St Albans -
Hip impingement — also called FAI: Femoroacetabular Impingement — happens when the hip joint pinches at certain angles, usually during deep bending, twisting, gym work or sport. It can create sharp groin pain, stiffness or a “blocked” feeling in the hip.
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At Redrock Physio, we help you understand why your hip is catching and build a plan to improve mobility, reduce pain and restore confident movement.
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Why Hip Impingement Happens
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FAI occurs when the ball and socket of the hip make earlier contact than they should. This can happen because of:
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CAM shape — extra bone on the femur
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Pincer shape — extra coverage of the hip socket
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Mixed FAI — a combination of both
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Labral irritation — the cartilage ring at the socket gets pinched
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Muscle imbalance or stiffness — changing how the hip loads and moves
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Reduced hip mobility — especially rotation and flexion
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Many people have “FAI-shaped hips” but no symptoms at all — symptoms usually appear when mobility, strength or control aren’t keeping up with daily demands.
How We Assess Postpartum Back Pain
✅ What physio can do:
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Improve hip mobility and reduce stiffness in restricted directions
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Reduce irritation by improving load-sharing and hip mechanics
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Build hip and glute strength to support joint load
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Improve control in deep flexion and rotation positions
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Reduce catching and improve “smoothness” of movement
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Help return to sport, gym and daily activities safely
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Research supports exercise-based rehab as a first-line treatment for FAI, often improving pain and function without surgery.
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âš What physio cannot do:
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Change bone shape
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Repair a torn labrum in isolation
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Guarantee full resolution if structural damage is severe
But in many cases, symptoms improve significantly with structured rehab.
The Redrock Approach
We take a realistic, movement-focused and personalised approach:
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Detailed hip, pelvis and spine assessment
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Manual therapy to reduce stiffness or guarding
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Mobility drills tailored to your movement pattern
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Strengthening for glutes, hip stabilisers and core
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Control work for deep flexion and rotational positions
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Sport-specific rehab if needed
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Reformer Pilates for controlled strength and range
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A personalised video plan to support lasting change
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Our goal is simple: reduce pain, improve movement, and help your hip work with you, not against you.
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Common Symptoms
You might notice:
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Deep groin pain or pinching in the front of the hip
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Pain when bending, squatting, lifting legs or getting out of a car
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Catching, clicking or a blocked feeling
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Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
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Limited hip flexion or rotation
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Pain during sports: football, running, lifting in the gym, CrossFit
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Symptoms usually worsen with deep hip positions or fast directional changes.
Movement Patterns We Often See with Hip Impingement
You don’t need to diagnose anything yourself — we work that out for you. But these common postpartum patterns can help your symptoms make more sense.
When to Consider Imaging or Referral
Further assessment may be appropriate if:
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Symptoms persist despite good rehab
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You experience locking, giving-way or mechanical catching
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Pain significantly limits daily life, walking or sport
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A labral tear or advanced impingement is suspected
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If needed, we’ll guide you through the spinal/hip triage pathway or specialist referral.
Related Pages
You may find these pages helpful:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scan?
Not always. Many cases improve with rehab. A scan may be considered if symptoms are severe or not improving.
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Can I still exercise or go to the gym?
Often yes. We help you modify movements and rebuild strength safely.
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Does hip impingement always lead to arthritis?
No. With good management, many people stay active and pain-free long term.
If your hip pain is not settling, you don’t have to guess what’s going on.
We’ll help you understand the cause and guide you through the right treatment — no pressure, no jargon, just a clear plan.
Call 01727 309 915 or email info@redrockphysio.co.uk to get started.
Address
Catherine House, Ground Floor
Adelaide Street
St Albans
AL3 5BA​​
Telephone
01727 309 915
